Window-cleaning machine



June 19, 1928.

A. FORMOSO WINDOW CLEANING MACHINE Filed Jan 25, 1937 r 2 sheets-sheet l gmnmtom HT 2 22 72 g' Andrew FUN-1105c! a a 8 J2 A. FORMOSO WINDOW CLEANING MACHINE June 19, 1928. 1,674,102

Filed Jan 25, 1927 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F{ .5. a i 0 Patented June 19, 1928.

UNITED STATES ANDREW FORMO'SO, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

WINDOW-CLEANING MACHINE.

Application filed January 25,1927. Serial No. 168,475.

The present invention relates to improvements in window cleaning devices, and the primary object of the invention is to provide a portable power driven window cleaning nnnchine which may be easily and economically operated for the rapid cleaning of windows.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a portable window cleaning machine embodying a cleaner proper which is adapted to be power operated and caused to travel in a reciprocatory motion over the surface being cleaned.

A further and important object of the invention is to provide a portable power driven window cleaning machine especially.

well. adapted for use in the cleaningof skylights or the like embodying a great number of panes of glass of substantially the same size.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a window cleaning machine embodyinga cleaner proper adapted to be mounted at its opposite ends upon flexible carriers, with drive means for the carriers whereby the 'arriers are caused to travel in unison for preventing one end of the cleaner proper from moving across the surface being cleaned in advance of the opposite end of the cleaner during its movement in either direction. 7

A still further object of the invention resides in the provision of an improved window cleaning machine embodying a cleaner proper for reciprocatory motion over the surface being cleaned, and which cleaner proper embodies a moistener or washing element and a drier, both of which engage the surface being cleaned during travel of the cleaner proper in both directions.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved power driven .window cleaning machine which is of light and durable construction, and which machine may be used either for the cleaning of hori zontal or verti all surfaces.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which drawings.

Figure 1 is a view showing the machine in use for cleaning relatively large sky lights embodying a number of panes of glass of the same size.

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the machine and illustrating the manner in which the cleaner proper is caused to reciprocate. o

Figure 3 is a section taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Figure 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows. i

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section illustrating the manner in which the cleaner proper is mounted at its ends upon the endless carriers for the cleaner.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary top pian View of the inner end of the supporting frame of the machine, showingthe manner in which the motor is mounted for driving of the cleaner.

Figure 6 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the cleaner proper and showing the moistener removed for illustrating the specific formation of the spra tube.

Figure 6" is an en arged transverse section on line 6F of Figure 6 and illustrating the specific construction for the cleaner to F igure 10 but showing the handle hav-. ing been given a one-quarter turn from that as illustrated in Figure 10..

Figure 12 is a perspective view of one of the extension pieces for the handle.

Refcrringuto the drawings in, detail, and.

wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the letter A designatesa supporting frame for mounting of the power driven operating means B; C a cleaner proper operable by the means B, and D a handle adjustably connected with the frame A. i

The supporting frame A and which may be formed of any suitable material. comprises a flat rectangular shaped frame portion 10 providing inner and outer rails ll and 12 respectively. and parallel side rails 13 and 14. llxtendiug rearwardly and a an upwardly inclined angle from the inner end of the frame portion 10. is a triangular shaped extension or bracket 15 the arms 16 of which are connected at then-divergent forward ends by an Lshaped rail 17 which extends parallel with and above the inner frame rail 11 This extension or bracket 1:) is preferably formed integral with the frame portion 10, and as will be observed, the frame portion 10 and extension or bracket 15 are of open construction for materially reducing the weight of the cleaning machine.

Rotatably mounted at each corner of the frame portion 10, and at the under side of the frame, as by means of suitable bearing pins 18, are double sprockets each embodying a feed sprocket 19 and a carrier sprocket 20 which is preferably of less diameter than that of the feed sprocket 19. As will be observed in Figure 2, the feed sprockets 19 are all of a like size, while the carrier sprockets :20, which are smaller than the feed sprockets, arr all of a like size. The bearing pins 18 are all mounted with their axes in parallel relation to one another, and as will be observed in Figure 3, the double sprockets are mounted with the larger or feed sprocket 19 disposed adjacent the frame portion 10. These bearing pins or spindles 18 are preferably provided with heads which are mounted flush in the carrier sprockets 20, and may have their opposite ends bolted to the frame 10 as illustrated in Figure 3.

Trained over the feed sprockets 19, is an endless sprocket chain 20 and which in the example shown in Figure 2 may travel in the direction as indicated by the arrows. Since each of the feed sprockets 19 are of a like size, it will be seen that each of the sprockets will rotate at a like speed during travel of the endless sprocket chain 20. Mounted at the longitudinal center of the L-shaped rail 17, is a. suitable electric motor 21 the shaft of which is disposed vertically and carries at its lower end a drive sprocket 22 the teeth of which are intended to engage the endless sprocket chain 20. Thus it will be seen that when the electric motor 21 is rotating, that the sprocket 22 will cause the endless sprocket chain 20 to rotate the feed sprockets 19 all in a like direction and at a like rate of speed.

Trained over each companion set of carrier sprockets at each side of the frame portion 10, is an endless carrier chain 24, and which carrier chains upon movement of the feed chain 20 in the direction as indicated by the arrows, will travel in a direction as indicated by the arrows in Figure 2. It

will also be observed in Figure 52, that like runs of the endless carrier chains 24 are 'ansed to travel in a like direction upon nmvement of the feed chain 20. Since, the carrier sprockets it) are each of an equal size. it will be seen that (,tlt'll of the carrier chains it) will travel at a like rate of speed.

Mounted in any suitable manner upon the upper side of the frame portion ltl, is a cover plate 25. the marginal edges of which project slightly past each straight run of the endless feed chain 20 as illustrated in Figure 2. This cover plate 25 serves as a guard or protection for preventing the chain 20' and sprockets 19 from contacting with objects against which the machine may be moved, and also prevents likelihood of the operator coming in contact with the sprockets or sprocket chains during use of the machine.

Projecting from the inner and outer ends of the frame portion 10, and at each corner of the frame, are supporting arms 26 which extend past the feed chain 20. Slidahly mounted in each of the supporting arms 26, is a pressure relieving device, and these devices serve for relieving pressure on the cleaner proper C when the machine is being used. These pressure relieving devices are in the form of yieldable legs having pins 27 slidable through the arms 26, and 'arried by the lower end of each pin is a suitable head 28 which is 1ncferably formed of a soft material such as rubber or the like. Encircling the pins 27, with one end engaging the arms 26 and its opposite end engaging the heads 28. is an expansion spring 29 which serves for normally urging the heads 28 away from their supporting arm 26. As will be observed in Figure 3, these springs 29 serve for elevating of the supporting frame and the elements carried thereby when the heads 28 are in engagement with the surface over which the machine is being moved.

Referring now to the construction of the cleaner proper C, and which is adapted to have a reciprocatory motion imparted thereto by the operating means B, the same is preferably formed from sheet metal of a suitable gauge for rendering the cleaner comparatively light, and in the example shown embodies a carrier or head plate 30 bent at its longitudinal center to provide a triangular shaped rib 31 which extends from end to end of the head plate, and each longitudinal edge of the head plate is bent inwardly to the same side of the plate at which the rib 3' is fOIll'lOtl, for forming flanges 32 and at each longitudinal edge of the plate. As will be observed in Figure 6, the central rib 31 and flanges 32 and 33 form independent substantially flat V shaped pockets 34- and 35, the pocket 3 L being closed at one end by an end wall 36 and the pocket 35 being closed by an end wall 37.

Telescopically fitting in the pocket 35, is a moistener 38 embodying a face plate 39 provided at its longitudinal edges with angular portions 40 which are intended to engage one side of the rib 31 and the flange 32 when the moistener is slid into the pocket 35. The moistener 38 is open at one end and is closed at its opposite end by an end wall 41, and it will be seen that when the moistener is telescopically fitted within the pocket 35 that a closed compartment is formed. The flat face plate 39 is provided with suitably arranged apertures 42, and projecting through these apertures 42 are the ends of suitable washing elements 43, and which washing elements may consist of short lengths of cotton or the like looped through the openings 42 in a manner as illustrated in Figure 8. If desirable, additional apertures 44 may be provided in the plate 39 between the apertures 42 for allowing additional cleansing liquids to pass to the washing elements 4 I Entering the moistener compartment formed by the moistener 38 and the plate 30, and carried by the closed end wall 37, is a spray tube 45 which extends from end to end of the moistener, and which tube is preferably of zig zag formation as illustrated in Figure 6. The spray tube 45 is provided in its underside witha series of relatively small apertures 46 through which the cleansing fluid may pass to the absorbent washing elements 43. Mounted at the outer end of the spray tube, is a suitable container or tank 47 for containing the cleansing fluid, and this tank is preferably provided with a pressure pump 48 whereby pressure may be created in the tank 47 for causing the cleansing fluid to be ejected in a fine spray through the apertures 46. A valve 49 may be disposed between the tube 45 and tank 47 for controlling the flow of liquid to the spray tube. Thus it will be seen that the tank 47 is carried by the cleaner proper for reciprocationtherewith.

The cleaner proper further embodies a drier 50 which comprises a head portion 51 adapted for telescopically fitting within the pocket 34. This head portion 51 is preferably formed' of sheet metal and bent or crimped to provide a series of longitudinally extending channels, each of which is intended to receive a strip like drying element 52 which may be formed of rubber or similar yieldable material.

Referring to the manner in which the cleaner proper is mounted for movement by means of the carrier chains 24, and which is illustrated in Figure 4, the cleanerproper is mounted at its opposite ends upon pins 54, and which pins as will be observed constitute one of the hinge pins for the carrier chains. These pins 54 extend through the medial rib 31 of the head plate 30, and a washer 55 is preferably provided at the up per side of the head plate for spacing t e carrier chain a short distance above the upper surface of the plate. By so connecting the'cleaner proper at its opposite ends to the carrier chains 24, movement of the carrier chains will cause the cleaner to move back and forth in a parallel plane with the rails 11 and 12. 6

Referring now to the handle D and which is adapted for adjustable connection with the frame A, thcsame embodies a number of tubular sections, the forward section being provided at its forward end with an apertured tongue 61 for pivotal connection with the rear end of the frame extension 15 as by means of a suitable pivot bolt 62. The rear end of the section 60 is reduced as at 63. The rear handle section 64 is provided with asuitable control switch 65, and entering the handle section 54 is a suitable electric extension board 66 which leads to the control switch 65. Extending through the tubular handle sections from the switch 65, is a suitable electric cable 67 which passes from the forward end of the handle section 60 for connection with the electric motor 21. The handle D may be lengthened to any desired extent by means of the tubular extension sections 68 as illustrated in Figure 12, and

which extensions are slotted throughout their length as at 69 in order that the cable 67 may be positioned in the extension sections when connected between the handle sections 60 and 64. i 1

Means is also provided for retaining the handle D at set angles with respect to the frame 10, and this means preferably consists of a rod 70 having pivotal connection at its forward end with the frame 10 as at 71, and the rear end of the rod is slotted longit-udi' nally as at 72 for receiving an adjusting lock nut 73 carried by the handle D.

In operation, and with the cleaner proper C in a position illustrated in Figure 2, movement imparted to the drive chain 20' in the direction as indicated by the arrows, by I means of the electric motor 21 and sprocket 22, will cause all of the feed sprockets 19 to rotate at a like speed and in a like direction, and by reason of the sprockets 19 being connected with the carrier sprockets 20, the carrier sprockets will be rotated for movement of their respective carrier chainsin a direction as indicated by the arrows in Figure 2. \Vith the carrier chains moving in a direction as indicated, the cleaner proper will. be caused to move toward the frame bracket 15 until the respective pivot pins 54 reach the sprockets 20 and as the pins 54 move about the sprockets 20. the cleaner will be shifted slightly longitudinally and start moving in a reverse direction toward the rail This novel drive means for the cleaner proper eliminates the necessity of providing complicated reversing means for the cleaner when reaching its limit of movement in either direction.

By observing Figure 3. it will be seen that the yieldable legs will serve to relieve pressure upon the cleaner proper when the cleaner is being reciprocated over the surface being cleaned.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that an improved and novel window cleaning machine has been provided embodying a cleaner proper of novel construction, and which cleaning member is intended to be reciprocated by means of endless carrier chains caused to operate in synchronism, and in a manner whereby the cleaning member is auton'iatically reversed at its limit of movement in each direction. It will also be apparent that a novel power driven window cleaning machine has been provided embodying a supporting frame of novel construction. and which machine is of such construction as to allow for the same to be used either for the cleaning of horizontal or vertical surfaces.

Changes in detail may be made to the specific form of the invention herein shown and described. without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A power driven window cleaning machine comprising a supporting frame. endless carriers mounted in parallel relation upon the frame. a cleaning member having its opposite ends connected with the endless carriers for reciprocatory movement thereby across the frame. means for imparting continuous movement to the endless carriers in one. direction. and an electric motor mounted upon the frame for imparting movement to said last mentioned means.

2. A power driven window cleaning machine comprising a supporting frame. endless carriers mounted in parallel relation at opposite sides of the frame, a cleaner proper pivotally mounted at its ends in the endless carriers for reciprocatory movement across the frame. an endless feed chain for synchronous operation of the endless carriers with a continuous movement in one direction. and means for imparting continuous movement to the endless feed chain.

3. A power driven window cleaning machine comprising a rectangular supporting frame. endless carriers mounted in parallel relation at opposite sides of the frame. a cleaning member having its opposite ends connected respectively with the endless carriers for movement thereby with a reciprocatory motion across the frame, an endless feed chain extending along each edge of the frame for synchronous operation of the endless carriers, drive means for the feed chain, means for relieving pressure on the cleaning member when the frame is resting upon asurface. and a protective covering extending over the frame and pmjecting past the endless feed chain at each side of the. frame.

f. A power driven window cleaning machine comprising an open supporting frame embodying inner and outer and side rails. double sprockets mounted adjacent each corner of the supporting frame and each enibodying a feed and a carrier 'u'ockct. endless carrier chains trained over the carrier sprocket-s at each side rail of the frame. an endless feed chain trained over all of the feed sprockets for synchronous operation thereof. an electric motor mounted on the frame and provided with a drive sprocket for imparting movement to the feed chain, and a. cleaner proper pivotallv connected at its ends to corresponding points of the endless carrier chains for movement in a parallel plane with the inner and outer frame rails.

A power driven window cleaning machine comprising a supporting frame. endless carriers mounted in parallel relation upon the frame. a cleaner proper carried by the endless carriers for rcciprocatory mot ion thereby across the frame. an endless feed chain for synchronous operation of the endless carriers, means carried by the frame for imparting movement to the feed chain. pressure relieving devices for the cleaner proper. a protecting cover plate for the frame. a handle pivotally connected at one end to one side of the frame, and means connecting the frame and handle whereby the handle may be disposed at adjust-ed angular positions with respect to the major plane of the supporting frame.

6. A power driven window cleaning machine comprising a supporting frame. endless carricr chains mounted in parallel relation upon the frame. means for s \mchronons operation of the endless carrier chains. a cleaner proper embodying a moislener and a drier, connected at its ends to the endless carrier chains for reciprtu'atorv movement thereby across the frame, yieldablc legs carried by the frame and serving a supports for the frame when the frame is disposed against; a surface to be cleaned. a handle pivotally connected with one side of the frame. and means connecting the handle with the outer end of the supporting frame whereby the handle may be adjustahlv disposed at various angles with respect to the major plane of the supporting frame.

7. In a. window cleaner embodying a supporting frame and cndles-' carriers mounted in parallel relation upon the frame and adapted for synchronous operation. a cleaner proper for reciprocatorv operation by the endless carriers. comprising a head plate providing independent pockets. :1. moistener embodying washing elements, telescopically lUU fitting in one of said pockets and providing a chamber, a spray tube disposed in said chamber, a tank for supplying a cleansing liquid to the spray tube, a drier telescopically fitting in the companion pocket of the head plate, and drying elements carried by the drier.

8. In a window cleaning machine embodying a supporting frame, and endless carriers mounted in parallel relation upon the frame for synchronous operation, a cleaner proper for reciprocatory operation by the endless carriers, comprising a sheet metal head plate connected with the endless carriers and shaped to provide independent pockets extending longitudinally of the plate, a. drier embodying drying elements, removably fitting in one of said pockets, a moistener embodying washing elements, telescopically fitting in the companion pocket and providing a chamber, a spray tube arranged in the chamber and having apertures directed toward said Washing elements and means for supplying a cleansing fluid under pressure to the spray tube.

9. A Window cleaning device comprising a sheet metal head plate formed with a central longitudinal rib of triangular shape in section and inwardly extending flanges at each longitudinal edgeof the plate, said rib and flanges providing independent shallow pockets extending longitudinally of the head plate, Walls closing the pockets at one end of the head plate, a drier embodying drying elements, telescopically fitting in one of said pockets, a moistener embodying washing elements, telescopically fitting in the companion pocket and providing a chamber, a spray tube fitting in the chamber and having apertures directed toward the washing ele ments, and means for supplying a cleansing fluid under pressure to the spray tube.

ANDREW FORMOSO. 

